My opinion, because I personally prefer the larger Deluxe size and I use a dishwasher: Three stars for the regular size aluminum version; down one for aluminum handle and one for regular size. Four stars for black handle, regular size. I rate the black handled Deluxe version as five stars. In spite of variable star rating, for various Rada peelers, the unobstructed high quality blade is superb. Read on.
The Amazon descriptions for the great (see other reviews) Rada vegetable peelers sometimes lack key information which, from the radacutlery dot com site, products page, is as follows. Pay attention to the model numbers; assume a smaller size if model number is not listed.
There are TWO peelers:
The Vegetable Peeler (Item #: R132 / W232) is blade 1 3/4", overall 7 1/4".
The Deluxe Vegetable Peeler (Item #: R141 / W241) is blade 2", overall 8 3/8". Note longer blade & handle.
There are TWO handles, one aluminum and one black dishwasher safe. This explains some of the differences in price between listings and some reviewer comments. In reviews, pay attention to the "This review is from:" line, because Amazon groups reviews, not making distinctions between aluminum handle and black handle reviews.
To make comparisons of all the peelers, search within Amazon for, simply, Rada Peeler. That gives you the aluminum peelers with the option to click on black handled version. But, if you click on black handle option you cannot review the item. If, however, you search "Rada peeler black" you can then review the black handled version. I now have only black handled Radas.
If you have a dishwasher AND plan on cleaning your peeler in it, I'd stay away from the nice looking but impractical aluminum handle models, because aluminum reacts with dishwasher detergents, causing it to turn color and over time to look horrible (my opinion) compared to an original finish. If you hand wash the aluminum handled peeler (or knives), no problem. Other reviewers have mentioned the color change. My comments on aluminum and dishwashers is not based on the Rada product specifically; they are based on long, long experience with many different aluminum products in dishwashers.
I wish Rada would make an all stainless handle, but the black dishwasher safe handle models are quite fine. Buy two, one to give to a relative or friend; you'll like it enough to share it.
If you are considering getting some (highly rated) Rada knives, be sure to go to the products page of the company website to get the blade size dimensions which are not given for many knives listed via Amazon, yet which is key info for online purchasing, so you can compare to your knives currently in counter-top holders or your drawers. Buy black dishwasher safe handles!
This is the very best vegetable peeler I've ever used, in four decades of cooking. It was given to me as a gift 10 years ago from a friend in the food-service industry, and it is still as sharp and effective as when it was new (I DON'T wash it in the dishwasher.) In fact, I so fell in love with this peeler, that when I replaced my old knives two years ago, I replaced them with Rada steak and preparation knives. They keep an edge like no other (JA Henckels doesn't compare), and when they do get dull, they sharpen up with just a few quick strokes. And they're WAY less expensive than their better-known competitors. And they're made in the USA.
I bought these to give as gifts after some friends came to my house to help with a large-quantity cooking event for our church, and was shocked at how easy to use, how well-balanced, and how SHARP this peeler is.
Buy Rada Cutlery Regular Vegetable Peeler, Made in USA (Pack of 2) Now
I wasted lots of money on peelers from the local stores, including Oxo and Zylis, and none were as good as these. I think there may be better peelers out there in the world (hence 4 stars), but I've never used one.
Read Best Reviews of Rada Cutlery Regular Vegetable Peeler, Made in USA (Pack of 2) Here
I was already familiar with the Rada cutlery products, having purchased some several years ago. I've never found a peeler that works so easily and efficiently as this one. I've purchased extras for gifts.
Want Rada Cutlery Regular Vegetable Peeler, Made in USA (Pack of 2) Discount?
I swear I still have my first Rada peeler and it is still pretty sharp after 10 years! I was still using it when I came across these at such a great price. I thought I would stock up because these are so so good. I've tried so many other peelers and hate the little curved protectors the newer ones have nowadays. They dull so easily. But not this one! You will truly find it to be your best friend in the kitchen. I cook everyday and I use it constantly. I have Rada knives also and would highly recommend them also.
On my first day ever shucking some soon-to-be friends at the table next to us allowed me to use this. I didn't find it flimsy or of poor quality. Actually, I found it to be quite sturdy. The owners were seasoned oyster lovers and claimed this to be "the" knife which other should be compared. Yes, it has a slightly curved tip. I don't think I needed the added safety of that, but the more cautious of the two diners appreciated the added measure. The wood grip was thick and did not slip even when wet. As a rookie user, I found it excellent and actually wrote this review because it will soon find a place in our utensil drawer.
